Michael Mallery's trial on five counts of first-degree sex abuse continued Wednesday in Washington County Circuit Court.

The 48-year-old Pacific University vice president is accused of molesting two child relatives.

Defense attorney Richard Cohen has indicated in court that the girls' reports of abuse are not valid and stem from a bad relationship between Mallery and their mother.

Mallery testified Tuesday as the first witness in his defense. He denied having any inappropriate contact with the girls, but acknowledged hot-tubbing naked with them until the older child was 8 years old.

Psychologist Harry Dudley testified in Mallery's defense Wednesday. He told jurors that the girls wanted a relationship with Mallery. They considered him kind and caring, Dudley testified, and the younger girl described Mallery as fun.

Cohen also called the girls' mother to testify Wednesday. With the jury out of the room, she told the court that even before her daughters disclosed the abuse, she had feared for her family's safety around Mallery. At that point, his alcohol use was her primary cause for concern, she testified.

The trial continues with Mallery's defense case Thursday.

Hired by Forest Grove's Pacific University in 2010, Mallery has been on personal leave from his job as vice president of finance and administration since Jan. 21, the day he turned himself in to authorities. He remains out of custody on bail.